Poetry and Apocalypse Discussion

Joe Week V

Joe Week V

by Joe Amini -
Number of replies: 4

Why is biblical poetry more difficult to interpret than other genres? I have always asked myself that; I wonder if, in part, it has to do with some people's understanding. For example, some don't believe Job was poetry but a real-life dialogue. I also think most people try to interpret poetry in the sense of exploration with a new thought, not considering history or that the original readers would understand it. I think folks try to interpret scripture differently as if it's only about them. As Sam mentioned, it's important to remember it's not about me; of course, it's for me, just not all about me. 

In what ways have you seen apocalyptic literature (Daniel and Revelation) interpreted poorly? How do the tips for interpreting Apocalyptic literature avoid abusing or misusing these texts? The best information I have ever heard happened as I watched this video and heard Sam say if it had not made sense to the original hears, then it's probably inaccurate. That is gold. The whole left behind series is a way that people have misinterpreted the scriptures, meant for fun reading. Still, many people have taken theological views based on that series and interpreted it as something happening in the future. 


In reply to Joe Amini

Re: Joe Week V

by Alex Nagy -
I didn't realize Job was poetry until Sam said it. I did think it was a real-life dialogue so that changes things for me. The part about how things were written in poetry or spoken in poetic form so they would remember it was interesting. It makes a lot of sense but I hadn't thought about that.

Yup, couldn't agree more! That statement says it all!
In reply to Joe Amini

Re: Joe Week V

by Ashley Duval -
Joe - I HAD NO IDEA JOB WAS POETRY! I need to dive into this further with some our lead pastor. I think I had always taken Job as an accounting of things happening.
I do love what you said "I think folks try to interpret scripture differently as if it's only about them". I enjoy listening to the "I have too much faith to be an atheist" - one of the hot topics recently was about the verse in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you..." and a controversy ensued as teacher explained that the verse was for the Israelites at that time - not necessarily for the modern day reader! Still one of my favorite comfort verses but it is a prime example of "of course, it's for me, just not all about me".
In reply to Joe Amini

Re: Joe Week V

by Audrey Morris -
Thank you for bringing up the use of Scripture to create a popular book series. I remember reading those books and being terrified. I also remember the fear as people started to reference the books as truth for the end times. Becoming an adult during the Y2K , so much was focused on the end times, it was hard to have hope for the future at times.